The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has concluded its investigation into an adult male’s death in an officer-involved shooting in Winnipeg.

On Dec. 3, 2022, the IIU was notified by the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) of an incident that occurred at approximately 7:30pm that same day. According to the notification, WPS officers attended the residence of the affected person who had outstanding arrest warrants, in order to effect an arrest. Officers observed the adult male driving away in a BMW and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop at the intersection of Bourkevale Drive and Portage Avenue. The man did not comply with officers’ verbal commands. During the ensuing use-of-force encounter, a WPS officer discharged his service firearm, striking the male. The male was transported to Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg, where he succumbed to his injuries.

As this matter concerned the death of a person that may have resulted from the actions of a police officer(s), the IIU assumed responsibility for this mandatory investigation in accordance with Section 65(4) of The Police Services Act (PSA) and investigators were assigned.

Information obtained and reviewed by IIU investigators included:

  • call history log;
  • narratives and notes of 27 WPS police officers;
  • notes and reports of four WPS forensic identification officers;
  • copy of Warrant to Enter a Dwelling-house;
  • RCMP Officer Safety Bulletin (dated fall of 2022);
  • radio transmissions and phone call recordings;
  • WPS Forensic Identification Section (FIS) list of exhibits seized, 131 autopsy photos and 25 photos of the BMW motor vehicle;
  • Firearms Investigative Analysis Section (FIAS) examination worksheets – note sheet and firearm serial number restoration;
  • firearms trace summary and pistols document;
  • firearms examination reports regarding ballistic comparison work on firearms found in vehicle but not related to the firearm found on the affected person;
  • WPS FIS photographs of the subject officer, police firearms, the BMW and its contents, and the affected person’s clothing;
  • subject officer’s firearm magazine and spent rounds;
  • drone images of the scene; and
  • expert opinion regarding the use of force, dated June 28, 2023.

The civilian director designated one subject officer and fifteen witness officers. Investigators also met with and interviewed two professional witnesses and eight civilian witnesses.

The civilian director found no reasonable grounds to support any charges against the subject officer. Accordingly, the matter is now closed.